AP Source: Coach K returning to US men's team

Wednesday

May 22, 2013 at 1:52 PM

BRIAN MAHONEY, AP Basketball Writer

Mike Krzyzewski had decided to remain coach of the U.S. men's Olympic basketball team.

Krzyzewski will try to lead the Americans to a third straight gold medal, a person with knowledge of the decision said Wednesday. Originally expected to step down, Krzyzewski will hold a press conference to confirm his return Thursday at Duke, the person told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because no official announcement has been made.

The Hall of Fame coach has led the Americans since 2005, winning gold at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, and the 2010 world basketball championship. His return was first reported by Sports Illustrated.

Krzyzewski repeatedly said he planned to end his international coaching career following the Americans' victory last summer in London. Yet USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo preferred to hold off any discussion until after Coach K finished his season with the Blue Devils, and he got the answer he wanted.

Krzyzewski will lead the Americans next summer at the renamed World Cup of Basketball in Spain, where a victory would qualify them for the 2016 Summer Games in Brazil.

The person said there were expected changes to Krzyzewski's staff, which had included NBA coaches Mike D'Antoni and Nate McMillan, and Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim.

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